History
Little Rock Air Force Base's first installation commander, Col. Joseph A. Thomas, arrived Feb. 8, 1954. Thomas arrived three months into base construction during a time when local union members were picketing the base for non-payment for overtime worked. While Thomas oversaw construction and solved labor problems, his primary mission was to promote an environment of community understanding and acceptance. Before Thomas' death June 28, 1955, he oversaw the completion of the gas distribution system, several buildings, and railroad system.